WA State team prepares for Tri Series

The WA State team will take on the Young Socceroos and Singapore’s national youth team as part of a Tri Series tournament to be held in Perth in August.

Perth SC coach Ramon Falzon has been appointed coach of the WA team for this series.

The tournament will kick off on Wednesday, August 2 with a match between the Young Socceroos and the WA State team at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium in Inglewood, followed by the Young Socceroos taking on Singapore on Friday, August 4 at Hartfield Park in Forrestfield.

The tournament concludes with the Singapore side challenging the WA State team on Tuesday, August 8 at Dorrien Gardens in West Perth.

Football West Chief Executive Officer James Curtis said the Tri Series would provide valuable training for the visiting teams and another opportunity for WA players to test themselves in a competitive environment.

“It’s a great opportunity for the WA State team to take on some of Australia’s best young talent and, of course, our visitors from Singapore,” Curtis said.

“Football West is working towards building lasting relationships with our near neighbours given football is very much the sport of choice for many Asian nations.

“And, of course, we’re delighted to be able to play a part in the early stages of preparation for the Young Socceroos, some of whom will also be hoping to be involved in the 2020 Olympic Games.”

The Young Socceroos are beginning to prepare for 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup qualification, while the Singapore team is looking forward to the Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur from August 19 to 30.

Falzon will overlook the side and is joined by coaching staff including Marc Wingell, who represented Australia in the Under 20 World Cup in 1993.

Falzon, whose NPLWA side won the league competition last year, said he expects the Young Socceroos squad to be composed of the best Australian talent under the age of 20 years old.

“I think my experience as a coach and my experience at Perth SC will help me transmit the same determination, high standards and expectations to the WA State Team,” he said.

“This year we sought input from all the NPLWA Head Coaches to make sure we take into consideration those players who regularly had outstanding performances this season for their own respective club.

“As the WA State team, we would like to give a good account of ourselves and to display the football qualities that the WA local talent has to offer to our nation.”